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Book Reviews see all articles in this section BookNotes Aristotle was the author of a philosophical and scientific system that, until the end of the 17th century, was the “vehicle” for Western culture. Even after the intellectual revolutions and changes of centuries to follow, Aristotelian concepts and ideas remain embedded in Western thinking. This month’s BookNotes features books written by Aristotle on the subjects of rhetoric, politics, metaphysics and philosophy. The Art of Rhetoric Publisher: Penguin Author: Aristotle (Edited and translated by Hugh Lawson) The emergence of democracy in the city-state of Athens in the years around 460 BC meant that public speaking became an essential skill for both politicians and ordinary citizens in the courts of law. In response, the technique of rhetoric rapidly developed. While many of these were little more than collections of debaters' tricks, The Art of Rhetoric held a far deeper purpose. Hugely influential upon later Western culture, The Art of Rhetoric is a fascinating consideration of the force of persuasion and sophistry, and a compelling guide to the principles behind oratorical skill.     The Metaphysics Publisher: Penguin Author: Aristotle (Edited and translated by Hugh Lawson) When Aristotle joined Plato’s Academy as a seventeen-year-old in the mid-360s BC, he was taught the ‘idealist’ doctrine that what we perceive is just a pale reflection of the true reality. In a reaction against Platonism, he achieved in The Metaphysics an extraordinary synthesis, integrating the natural and rational aspects of the world. In so doing, he probed some of the deepest questions of philosphy: What is existence? How is change possible? What makes something the same thing at different times? The seminal notion of ‘substance’ and associated concepts of matter and form, essence and accident and potentiality and actuality, have had a profound influence upon Western thought.   The Politics Publisher: Penguin Author: Aristotle (Trevor Saunder: Reviser, T.A Sinclair: Translator) In The Politics Aristotle addresses the questions that lie at the heart of political science. How should society be ordered to ensure the happiness of the individual? Which forms of government are best and how should they be maintained? By analysing a range of city constitutions – oligarchies, democracies and tyrannies – he seeks to establish the strengths and weaknesses of each system to decide which are the most effective, in theory and in practice.     De Anima (of the Soul) Publisher: Penguin Author: Aristotle (Edited and translated by Hugh Lawson) The Pre-Socratic philosophers believed the soul was the source of movement and sensation. Plato believed it to be “metaphysically” distinct from the body that it was forced temporarily to inhabit. Aristotle tested the truth of both these beliefs against the sciences of logic and biology, and his examination of the huge variety of living organisms convinced him of the inadequacy of both theories. In De Anima, he sought to set out his theory of the soul as the ultimate reality of embodied form and produced a masterpiece of philosophical insight.       To buy these books, click on the book covers above or visit our comprehensive online bookstore at: www.galtbooks.com www.galtbooks.com has been created with a mission to assist not-for-profit organizations within your community. Proceeds from every sale are donated to the organization of your choice. Click here to learn more. You may wish to submit a book review of your own for inclusion in The Galt Global Review. Please send your review to editor@galtglobalreview.com for consideration. We look forward to receiving your feedback and suggestions. © Copyright 2005. Galt Western Personnel Ltd. Unless otherwise specified, you may reprint this article, quote from it, use it in research or projects, duplicate it or distribute it. Credit of authorship and source MUST be given to galtglobalreview.com. Ownership of Copyright remains with Galt Western Personnel Ltd. Return to Top      Business News / Business Roundup - Australia / Canada / Europe / United States / Careers / Classified / Information Technology / New Technology / Education News / World Facts / Book Reviews / Archives/Research